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Letter: Big money and politics

Why is it possible for the wealthy and big corporations to be able to buy unlimited advertisements, mailings and commercials both for and against candidates running for office?

Corporations and individuals were legally limited prior to January 2010, when the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case known as Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission which struck down as unconstitutional a federal law prohibiting corporations and unions from making expenditures in connection with federal elections. Source (Wikipedia).

Remember the "corporations are people" argument? Since that ruling, the dark money in all elections has skyrocketed. The pro-corporation conservative organization Citizens United is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) that can solicit unlimited funds to support or attack whoever best meets their agenda.

Countless other sham nonprofits can attack or endorse any candidate they choose. Big money is now down to the local level and you must decide who is funded by outside interests, with or without the candidate's OK. It is worth noting that the chairman of the misnamed Citizens United took a leave of absence in 2016 to become Donald Trump's deputy campaign manager.

Go to the polls Monday and vote your conscience. Don't let lies, slander and terrible pictures sway the way you vote.